View Full Version : Which do you like less, house maintenance or vehicle maintenance?
Which do you like to do less, house maintenance, or vehicle maintenance?
GilpinGuy
01-10-2015, 23:24
I actually enjoy working on my Jeep. The house, not so much.
Ditto. I'm a mechanic, not a plumber, carpenter, house painter, or electrician. I hate appliance repair, too.
jhood001
01-10-2015, 23:31
I'd rather spend a weekend doing drywall and tile than spend 2 hours changing oil.
TheBelly
01-10-2015, 23:31
i can generally figure out a car. I can't figure out the right way to put a screw into a wall without causing teh whole thing to crumble around me.
Just so there is no question, I started this thread specifically so I could whine and complain. I have the honor of being covered with power steering fluid and tile grout at the same time all day.
mcantar18c
01-10-2015, 23:39
I'd rather spend a weekend doing drywall and tile than spend 2 hours changing oil.
That's probably because it apparently takes you 2 hours to change the oil[Coffee]
GilpinGuy
01-10-2015, 23:46
I'd rather spend a weekend doing drywall and tile than spend 2 hours changing oil.
That's probably because it apparently takes you 2 hours to change the oil[Coffee]
[ROFL1] No offense, but I can have both vehicles oil changed in 1/2 an hour. In the snow, when it's cold, when hung over, with a 9 year old peppering me with questions about what I'm doing every 2 seconds.
But you may be able to frame a window in in a half hour and it would take me two hours.
When working on vehicles, I wear a pair of nitrile gloves, then some sort of mechanic type glove over the nitrile. The mechanic style glove protects me from most cuts, bruises, burns, gouges, etc, and the nitrile keeps all the oil off that soaks through. Make clean up a lot easier.
GilpinGuy
01-10-2015, 23:50
Bahhhh, I just use the "protective coating" of a powdered donut.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTAOljbbPgQ
I like working on my hobby cars. Don't really enjoy the maintenance crap on my daily so put a warranty on my truck. House stuff irriatates me too but I try to upgrade the house items when possible to help resale. I feel I get more bang for my buck on the house stuff. :shrugs:
I'm equally useless at both.
Great-Kazoo
01-10-2015, 23:58
When working on vehicles, I wear a pair of nitrile gloves, then some sort of mechanic type glove over the nitrile. The mechanic style glove protects me from most cuts, bruises, burns, gouges, etc, and the nitrile keeps all the oil off that soaks through. Make clean up a lot easier.
A skilled person doesn't hurt them self when wrenching on things mechanical.
A SMART PERSON ask HOW MUCH & HOW LONG?
If you're not proficient at something, perhaps you should learn to barter.
GilpinGuy
01-11-2015, 00:05
A skilled person doesn't hurt them self when wrenching on things mechanical.
A SMART PERSON ask HOW MUCH & HOW LONG?
If you're not proficient at something, perhaps you should learn to barter.
When I was in high school I worked in a shop that specialized in Italian cars. Alfa Romeos mostly, the occasional Ferrari came in but I was quarantined from them.
An old "off the boat" Italian man would hang around the shop a lot and he told me "Ya know, the Japanese don't allow hammers in their garages. You should never need to use a hammer on a car." I realized he was full of shit immediately, but learned later in life that he meant that things can be done without smashing or beating on them if you take your time and use your head.
Knuckles always get smashed now and then though.
I hate working on cars....
I do it for a living and that's all I seem to do.
Id rather work on a toilet, at least when I'm done I can flush the shit down the drain...[shithitsfan]
GilpinGuy
01-11-2015, 00:08
zteknik...remember "Metric Motors" in Carmel? That's where I worked for a while.
hurley842002
01-11-2015, 00:09
When working on vehicles, I wear a pair of nitrile gloves, then some sort of mechanic type glove over the nitrile. The mechanic style glove protects me from most cuts, bruises, burns, gouges, etc, and the nitrile keeps all the oil off that soaks through. Make clean up a lot easier.
There was a day when I'd wrench bare handed, and break for pizza without washing my hands, but I've softened up over the years, and after the Bilstein install on my Tacoma a couple weeks ago, I'll probably start wearing nitrile gloves.
zteknik...remember "Metric Motors" in Carmel? That's where I worked for a while.
Yup, know them well. They are at the end of the road where I lived. I lived on the other side by the highway garage
They have a pretty good thing going. Nice shop too
GilpinGuy
01-11-2015, 00:20
Yup, know them well.
They have a pretty good thing going.
I was there back in the mid 80's and grew up just up the street. They've grown a ton since I escaped. I think they sell cars there now too. Greg and Mark both had Ferrari's back then. Greg kept his hidden in the paint booth and almost never drove it. Mark would go out and party and race around with chicks all the time. LOL Mark was a pisser.
Sorry to derail Stu... :)
I was there back in the mid 80's and grew up just up the street. They've grown a ton since I escaped. I think they sell cars there now too. Greg and Mark both had Ferrari's back then. Greg kept his hidden in the paint booth and almost never drove it. Mark would go out and party and race around with chicks all the time. LOL Mark was a pisser.
Sorry to derail Stu... :)
Yup,Good times! [Beer]
I'm sure stu wont mind,he needs some cheering up...[Flower]
This thread can't really be derailed. I discovered something else that "broke" in my house just between the time I started the thread and now. My favorite part is that no matter what I'm doing, the cat and the dog fight over who gets to lick up chemicals in the garage, or who gets to put their nose in the bag of grout while the other one stands in the bathtub getting a good look at the grout job.
GilpinGuy
01-11-2015, 00:30
Tile and grout stuff I am good at and actually like doing. Not with animals roaming about though. Or little kids. It's amazing how much damage can be done in the time it takes you to go take a piss.
This thread can't really be derailed. I discovered something else that "broke" in my house just between the time I started the thread and now. My favorite part is that no matter what I'm doing, the cat and the dog fight over who gets to lick up chemicals in the garage, or who gets to put their nose in the bag of grout while the other one stands in the bathtub getting a good look at the grout job.
Well look at it this way,at least the kids aren't fighting over licking the floor...[Coffee]
Yea its tough with animals around. Luckily for us when it comes to that we just put the birds in the cage and there fairly happy.
I'd rather work on my vehicles.
I think the key to this poll is that we're discussing maintenance, and not upgrades. I loved building my corner pantry, and I always enjoyed souping up my cars back in the day. I get pissed when something doesn't work when I expect it to though; and usually things break when I need them to work. I think I hate working on cars more because they are more messy, more expensive, tighter space, and too easy to screw something else up when you slip off that bolt. However, I usually have a greater sense of pride when/if I fix something on a vehicle. I've learned that I can pretty much accomplish anything I want, as long as I take my time. I tend to take forever doing either job though. I get intimidated by the job easily and end up spending more time searching for videos about how to do something. At least with the house, stuff usually doesn't take as long as I thought it would, and once I start, it goes quickly. With cars I tend to have trouble putting stuff back together that is not the main thing I'm working on. For example when I did the transmission on the Cavalier, I paid close attention to how the knuckles, axles, and starter came apart and went back together, but there were some wires I disconnected at some point to get better access to something, and I can't for the life of me figure out where they go. With house stuff, I tend to do 90% of the job, then move onto something else before finishing. We remodeled the kitchen 2 years ago when we moved in, and I still haven't finished the grouting the back splash or putting the plate covers back on the outlets. The appraiser that is coming on Monday is motivating me though. :D
blackford76
01-11-2015, 01:04
I have minions for basic vehicle maintenance. I prefer to do the big stuff myself. I HATE working on the house, but sure have had to do a lot this last year, with more in the future.
Meh, as far as popularity with me, both are right up there with yanking out nose hairs.
With cars I tend to have trouble putting stuff back together that is not the main thing I'm working on. For example when I did the transmission on the Cavalier, I paid close attention to how the knuckles, axles, and starter came apart and went back together, but there were some wires I disconnected at some point to get better access to something, and I can't for the life of me figure out where they go.
Happens to me at work all the time-especially when I take it apart and I have to wait for parts a few days.
That's when I scratch my head and say where the hell does this thing go???[facepalm]
But after doing it for many years it's not so bad-experience. The more you do it the better you get at it.
When the new models came out at first I was like aw crap,I don't know where to start.Now it's like ok I know a quicker way to get it done.
jhood001
01-11-2015, 02:00
That's probably because it apparently takes you 2 hours to change the oil
No offense, but I can have both vehicles oil changed in 1/2 an hour. In the snow, when it's cold, when hung over, with a 9 year old peppering me with questions about what I'm doing every 2 seconds.
But you may be able to frame a window in in a half hour and it would take me two hours.
No offense taken, gentlemen. I've done brakes, changed oil and replaced a head gasket on one occasion, but it was like pulling teeth for me for some reason. I get nerves when I'm doing it and it is most likely because I am out of my element. Home remodels? No problem.
I pay someone to do my vehicle work now because they can do it better and it saves me the headache.
However, if working on my own vehicles could somehow grow my dick like it obviously does yours - I might take a new interest in the work. [Coffee]
I'm kidding. Unless you aren't. [ROFL1]
mcantar18c
01-11-2015, 02:08
I think the key to this poll is that we're discussing maintenance, and not upgrades. I loved building my corner pantry, and I always enjoyed souping up my cars back in the day. I get pissed when something doesn't work when I expect it to though; and usually things break when I need them to work. I think I hate working on cars more because they are more messy, more expensive, tighter space, and too easy to screw something else up when you slip off that bolt. However, I usually have a greater sense of pride when/if I fix something on a vehicle. I've learned that I can pretty much accomplish anything I want, as long as I take my time. I tend to take forever doing either job though. I get intimidated by the job easily and end up spending more time searching for videos about how to do something. At least with the house, stuff usually doesn't take as long as I thought it would, and once I start, it goes quickly. With cars I tend to have trouble putting stuff back together that is not the main thing I'm working on. For example when I did the transmission on the Cavalier, I paid close attention to how the knuckles, axles, and starter came apart and went back together, but there were some wires I disconnected at some point to get better access to something, and I can't for the life of me figure out where they go. With house stuff, I tend to do 90% of the job, then move onto something else before finishing. We remodeled the kitchen 2 years ago when we moved in, and I still haven't finished the grouting the back splash or putting the plate covers back on the outlets. The appraiser that is coming on Monday is motivating me though. :D
I kinda go the opposite route. I see something and think "well if it exists, somebody had to build it, and if they can do it I can do it." Then I usually watch a youtube video or scan through a thread on some random forum, put together a list of things I think I need, and then dive straight into it.
Usually turns out ok. Other times I end up sitting there covered in whatever I'm working on scratching my head thinking "how the hell do they do this?" Then I usually watch another youtube video or scan through another thread on a random forum and realize I need to go take another trip to the hardware store.
ETA: Post pics of those wires on the Cav, I bet one of us can tell you where it goes.
While I enjoy working on house projects at times, I voted it my most hated because without fail, almost every repair or project is 5x the work to fix the fuckups from the asshat that owned this house before me. The vehicles do not have that issue as the current (old) stable was all purchased new.
Case in point. All the wood and tile flooring was fitted around the door casings, instead of undercutting the casing. So I put in new 6-panel oak doors and the bottom detail looks like shit.
GilpinGuy
01-11-2015, 02:45
However, if working on my own vehicles could somehow grow my dick like it obviously does yours - I might take a new interest in the work. [Coffee]
I'm kidding. Unless you aren't. [ROFL1]
Nah, no bad intent here. We all have our talents and interests. You like home stuff, I like vehicle stuff.
Working on my own vehicles doesn't grow my unit bigger (no need there, might hurt the wife...even more) but I just can't imagine not knowing basic vehicle maintenance, that's all. Some folks might not, so this isn't directed at you personally.
I mean, we were all rebuilding motors, swapping transmissions, etc., etc., when we were in high school, just for fun. Ask a high school kid to do that now........LMFAO.
Americans just don't know how to take care of them-damn-selves anymore. Most people just call this or that repair man or go to this or that repair shop.
My dick isn't bigger because I can take care of myself better than someone else, but I can take care of myself better than a lot of people. Merica!
Funny that computers were brought up, because I just bought a new modem, AND router. It took at least two full weeks before everything was working again.
I really like doing things myself, but it takes forever and most of the time it's my first time, so things don't turn out great. That doesn't usually bother me because I know I'm learning something and next time could be better. I agree with Dave_L that at least with a house, you usually have the opportunity to improve the value of the home. If it worked that way with vehicles, then I wouldn't drive around with no A/C, a cracked windshield, and an illuminated CEL on pretty close to every single vehicle I've ever owned.
Good timing - LOL. Microwave went out a couple days ago and it's sitting in pieces on the kitchen table right now. eBay is a wonderful place - where else can you find a new magnetron for less than $50? (No, I have no idea what I'm doing.)
But my wife and family think I'm a mechanical/electrical/computer/everything genius because I know how to use google and youtube like a mad man.
I'll pretty much attempt anything at least once.
You do quickly end up being the hero of the family, which is always nice for storing up points for when you need to cash them in. Mother-in-law has a fancy Cadillac SUV that started having issues, and my father-in-law doesn't do any DIY/maintenance stuff. I can't remember what they were going to have to pay to have it towed to the dealer for expensive "diagnostics" etc., but man I was the best son-in-law in the world when I surprise showed up 30mins later with a new $80 battery from WalMart and "fixed" the car.
Is this where we can complain about snow shoveling and mowing the grass too? ;)
I never get credit for fixing anything, because by the time it gets fixed, it's been broken for too long already, or I was an asshole about it in the first place. I don't have an issue with mowing grass, but I might now that we have a dog. I hardly ever shovel either, even though my neighbor is a mail man and will either give me shit about it, or tell me about not delivering mail to houses that don't shovel. The mail persons that deliver to my house always just walk through the yard anyway. That reminds me about how I need to start that thread about how you aren't legally liable if a person slips on the sidewalk in front of your house. People think that you are, but you aren't.
I don't really mind the work, but there's always something that stops the project dead in the water, that's what I hate. Like when you need another part or something, and you can't go because you've got the vehicle torn apart and the OL isn't home..... Or you've gotta make another run to Home Depot every hour, or it's freezing-ass cold/raining/snowing, etc.
Aren't you guys the same people who never maintain your guns?
I say if your favorite carry piece doesn't need to be maintained then neither does your house or your vehicle.
buffalobo
01-11-2015, 08:36
Aren't you guys the same people who never maintain your guns?
I say if your favorite carry piece doesn't need to be maintained then neither does your house or your vehicle.
I resemble this^^^.
I hate maintenance on all of it. I do it but hate it. Home maintenence is easier (been in the building trades most of my life), I would probably starve turning wrenches on autos. Can't get any slower. Agree with Irving about satisfaction of accomplishment working on vehicles, probably because it is more challenging.
A gun(well maintained or not) will be needed to get me to do landscaping and some yard maint. I live on the prairie, yard should look like the prairie not city park.
StagLefty
01-11-2015, 08:39
I'm pretty good at maintaining the home projects because that's what I did for a living before I retired. Vehicles are a challenge for me because I never did much of it but because of YouTube videos I've tackled most of the less intense projects the last few years and done alright.
Now computer repairs UGH !!!
Jeffrey Lebowski
01-11-2015, 08:45
I'd definitely rather do vehicle work myself, but as several pointed out, it is often more efficient just to pay for it. Even oil changes on my truck - with a dealer package, I want to say the difference in raw materials vs. "completed job" is something like $10 per. I'm not getting all dressed in oily clothes for $10 when I can swing by on the way home and remotely work for 30 minutes [for my job] in the waiting area.
Edit: OTOH, same dealer - they want $185 to do a fuel filter. $25 part at Napa and I can do in my regular clothes in about 5 minutes. Guess which wins that one?
My house projects seem hit or miss.
I prefer house maintenance. Although maintenance on my old truck was a breeze. Would rather do tree maintenance....
I'd rather do my own appendectomy with a broken beer bottle than tackle another tile job. I did all the tile in our house(2 bathrooms, 2 entryways, and a rather elaborate pattern in the dining room), and had nightmares for years afterward.
Landsknecht
01-11-2015, 11:10
I don't mind either, the real source of frustration for me is not having the right tools or hardware to get the job done. The worst part of all repairs is having to get back in the car and go to the store AGAIN!
I hate working on my Jeep. Cold & greasy, ruins my soft hands. [Coffee]
I liked working on the house, now I dont have to worry, dont have a house anymore to work on.
newracer
01-11-2015, 12:27
I actually enjoy both, mostly because I am cheap and refuse to pay for something I can do myself.
I like doing both. My hands are always best to hell just did a quick count 12 different wounds on them right now from work. I would rather do it myself and know how to do it so if I ever need to do something and can't call a specialist I can
I can at least justify that working on the house is an investment. A lot of the work is indoors and I'd rather not be working in the snow.
Had to change out my truck battery during a cold snap, in the snow, in November, and I'd rather not. Working on the vehicles does give me a nice sense of accomplishment...but that accomplishment is constantly depreciating.
Funny this thread is here because my furnace was acting up yesterday. Thought it was the little safety switch to make sure the cover was on. Sometimes the cover gets loose and lets that button come out too far. After climbing into the attic (no basement so furnace is up there) three times to fiddle with it, I googled it and found out it was a dirty flame sensor. One screw to take it out, rub it with some light abrasive material to clean it up a little and bam, back in business. Thanks Youtube! Saved me a $100 house call.
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